Queen Alexandra of Denmark(Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia)

Portrait by Alexander Bassano, 1864

HENRIK IMMANUEL WIGSTRÖM (1862-1923)

Bantam cockerel 1907-09

Obsidian, purpurine, jasper, rose diamonds, gold | 9.9 x 7.8 x 4.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 40454

Description

A bantam cockerel, carved in obsidian with purpurite comb, jasper wattles, rose diamond eyes and chased pink gold feet.

This large-scale model of a cockerel uses obsidian to great effect - like most of the birds fitted with gold feet it was made in Henrik Wigström's workshop. A plate from the album of designs produced in his workshop shows a drawing of a cockerel on a similar scale to this one, although it was apparently executed in different hardstones. In 1909 Queen Alexandra purchased a cockerel for the comparatively high sum of £113 10s. The large scale of this example may indicate that it was this cockerel that she purchased.

Mark of Henrik Wigström

Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in Miniature

Provenance

Commissioned by King Edward VII, 1907 (the Sandringham Commission); bought by Queen Alexandra from Fabergé's London branch, 1909, (£113 10s.)

People involved

Creator(s)
Henrik Immanuel Wigström (1862-1923) (workmaster)

Fabergé  (jeweller)

Acquirer(s)
Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom (1844-1925)

Commissioner(s)
King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom (1841-1910)

Physical properties

Medium and techniques
Obsidian, purpurine, jasper, rose diamonds, gold
obsidian, purpurite, jasper, diamond, gold
carved, chased, rose cut
Measurements
9.9 x 7.8 x 4.7 cm (whole object)

Groupings

Category
Fabergé

Object type(s)
visual works
->bibelots
->models
->ornaments

Subject(s)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
->Zoology
->Animals
->Birds
->Domestic fowl. Chickens
->Cockerels

Places
Place of Production
St Petersburg

This article originally appeared on royal collection trust, www.rct.uk